Getting kitted out.

[BobTheCow]

agree on the Tippmann Model 98 Custom. i've got one myself, and am in the process of upgrading it to a point where it could probly compete w/ some mags, cockers, etc.

i would stress getting a mask w/ a therma lens, that was one of my biggest problems the first couple times i played (mask fogging up). JT spectra is a pretty good mask w/ that feature (sorry if somebody said that already).

also agree about lapco, they make EXCELLENT barrels, and not too pricy (for the quality). feel your way around for a while, you'll get to the point where you know exactly what you want soon enuff...as long as you stick with the sport, you can't go wrong!!

[logamus]

tippmans are great guns. the custom 98 has lots of upgrades and many can be found on ebay. and above all, get a high quality mask with a thermal lense!!!! safety first.

[Derman2k]

I started with a pump...I think it builds your skills up more so when you get a semi you'll probably end up being a better player...Thats just my opinion though

[Xerces]

i agree with derman, my first marker was an aci maverick. not only does it conserve paint/air it teaches you to make shots count and not just spray 'n pray

[Derman2k]

My first was a Kingman Hammer...boy i miss those days...maybe i'll have to break it out again. But yea...I'd reccomend a Hammer or Maverick, I've got one of each and i've had them for about 8 years and i've never had to change any o rings or anything...they're only 40-50 and they'll last a long time

[845]

I wouldnt buy a $50 aftermarket barrel first thing. I would get a decent harness and use the money left over to get a barrel. If you check ebay you probably could find a decent barrel for an m98 for $20-25 US. I wouldnt get anything longer than 14".

[Splat]

I keep hearing you folks talking about Tippys. How about spyders. My first marker was a spyder compact 2000. Yes it was cheap. But yes it was reliable. I still use it as my back up... For barrels. Definatly look on e-bay. You can find a great deal on aftermarket barrels there. And I would definaly get a thermal mask. My spyder came with a package of a Co2 tank, VL200 hopper and a JT single lense mask. That damn thing would fog up every day I'de play paintball. Now I own a proteus thermal.(best mask in paintball in my opinion) The thermal lense might cost $10 to $20 more but it's definatly worth every penny.

[BobTheCow]

Originally posted by Splat
Yes it was cheap. But yes it was reliable.

*gasp*

are you inferring that 98s AREN'T reliable?? i've never had a problem with mine, and neither have any of my friends, who also own 98s. we've all got different setups, and they all work great.

about a barrel...IF you have money left after marker/mask/harness/paint, i would suggest getting a barrel, cuz at least on the 98 the stock one is loud and inaccurate as a #%$@. (it'll work tho, if that's all you have!!)

[Darkstorm]

If you start low end, look for a package on a site like actionvillage but don't go overboard on this gun. $200 us on absolutely everything is the highest you should go. Spend your money on playing. Nothing worse than having a great gun and not being able to shoot the paint. Don't worry about barrels, moto-hoppers, etc. Just a good mask and a way to carry extra paint.

If you are staying on a budget, have already played a lot and don't want to get a new gun later, buy an automag classic 68 and upgrade as you can. (My personal bias is that tippmans sound cool and the flatline is cool but I want a gun that will not chop paint).

[BobTheCow]

Originally posted by Darkstorm
(My personal bias is that tippmans sound cool and the flatline is cool but I want a gun that will not chop paint).

the only time i've chopped a ball was when i was feathering as fast as i could w/ a grav feed hopper, and even then it didn't chop till like the 15th shot. but i also use pretty crappy paint with a thick thick shell, so that COULD be a factor...but i doubt it.

[nevwyn]

Thank you all

I want to thank you all, for your time and advice in helping me get started with my own gear.

Hit the proshop earlier today well I was out running around, talked a bit with the staff and got my hands on the 98 custom and a pirannah well I was there. I like the pirannah well enough enough (mainly because it was blue I think ), but I like the feel of the tippmanns a bit better. I think I'll be getting the tippy I just wish they made it in blue to match my jersey. Now if payday would just get here so I get down to the serious work of having fun.

[BobTheCow]

Re: Thank you all

Originally posted by nevwyn
so I get down to the serious work of having fun.

at least you understand the most important part
and good choice with the tippy , it should keep you happy for a while. enjoy!!
o yeah wut about mask, co2, etc? did ya decide anything about those?

[Splat]

Such is true. but have you got a mask yet?? You can have the best gun in the world but if you don't have a mask you will never be able to shoot it on a field...

remember, buy one with a thermal lense.

[nevwyn]

nope not yet, I'm gonna grab the co2, mask, etc when I get the marker payday is a week today, that'll be about when I get my gear, thankfully the proshop has everything other then the marker packaged together. with a thermal lens for the mask. I'd probabley have ordered it all online, but this way I get a free year field membership out of it.

okay other then marker, mask, co2, hopper, squeegee, barrel plug, gun lube. What will I likely find I need before to long and don't say barrel as I'll get around to upgrading when I think its needed.

just don't want to miss anything important

[BobTheCow]

the only thing i can think of is maybe a pack/pods. although some people can play several games with just a hopper-full of paint, i like to always have some with me in case i get in some made firefight in the middle of a game. just a thought, far from essential.